Derik Vincent Johnson , of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, earned his wings and was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 3, 2017.

Derik was born in New York City (in the village of Harlem) on March 29, 1969 to Elizabeth L. Wilkins and the late Vincent P. Johnson. Upon graduating from LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Derik attended Sullivan County Community College for one year before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served three years at Edwards Air Force base in California.  Derik served as a Combat Arms Instructor and scored high enough on the shooting range to earn Expert status.

As a child, Derik enjoyed his visits to South Carolina to visit his grandfather Charles M. Wilkins, who he affectionately called Dada, where they would go fishing together.  Although Derik was born in New York City, he was not a "city kid".  Therefore, once exiting the Air Force, Derik decided not to return to New York and instead relocated to Moncks Corner to live with his Dada.  It was there that Derik began a career as a truck driver where he traveled throughout the United States. When not on the road, Derik enjoyed watching classic movies and sports, listening to music, and spending time with his children.

Derik was a God-fearing man with an easy smile. He was willing to help anyone in need. He will be remembered by all as someone who listened as well as gave great advice.

Derik was fortunate enough to have both sets of grandparents in his life. He is also pre-deceased by his maternal grandparents, Charles M. and Jessie Mae Wilkins and his paternal grandparents, James and Frankie Johnson.

Left to cherish his memory is his mother Elizabeth L. Wilkins of New York. Derik was a devoted father to Army Reservist Kendrick Johnson (Huger, South Carolina), Kendall Johnson (U.S. Navy), Terik Johnson (Charleston Southern University, Charleston, S.C.), Trenton Johnson (Morehead State University, Morehead, Kentucky) and Triana Johnson (Acworth, Georgia). Also to cherish his memory are aunts Rosa Lee Grice of New York, New York; Gustina Taylor of Clarksville, Tennessee; Gail Crouch (George) of Bronx, New York, and uncles Charles E. Wilkins (Laura) of Casselberry, Florida; and Earl Johnson of New York, New York. In addition are his great uncle Willie Lee Fludd of Cordesville, South Carolina; and great aunt Elease Veal of New York, New York.  Derik is also survived by "special friend" Sharon Bryant as well as a host of cousins and friends.